Median rent is 11% lower in Temple ($1,174/mo vs $1,324/mo). Buying is cheaper in Temple, where the median home runs $220,300 versus $348,500. Households earn more in Fresno ($66,804 vs $64,945 a year). Taken together, Fresno is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 92.0 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fresno, CA.
City A
Fresno, CA
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from Fresno, CA?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$75,088
You'd need $88 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Fresno
California
Temple
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Temple at $1,174/mo compared to $1,324/mo in Fresno (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Fresno: the median home is $348,500 versus $220,300 in Temple — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Temple a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; Temple has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Fresno
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Temple
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Fresno (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,174/mo median).
Pick Temple if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Fresno cheaper than Temple?
Fresno is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 92.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Fresno.
How much is rent in Fresno vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,324/mo in Fresno, CA and $1,174/mo in Temple, TX. Temple, TX has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Fresno or Temple?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno, CA and $64,945 in Temple, TX. Fresno, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Fresno or Temple?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Temple to match my Fresno income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fresno, CA is equivalent to roughly $100,118 in Temple, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology